Huawei Mate X2 vs Galaxy Z Fold: Design Comparison
Yes, the Huawei Mate X2 looks remarkably similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series, but it is not a copy. Both use a large inward-folding display with a small cover screen, yet the Mate X2’s hinge mechanism, camera placement, and weight distribution differ significantly. This article explains exactly where the two phones converge and diverge, what that means for daily use, and how to decide between them if you are considering either.
Background: How Foldables Evolved
The first wave of foldable phones, like the original Huawei Mate X and Samsung Galaxy Fold, used an outward-folding design where the main screen wrapped around the outside. That approach exposed the flexible display to scratches and required a fragile plastic layer. The second generation, led by the Galaxy Z Fold 2 and the Mate X2, moved to an inward-folding layout: a large internal display that closes like a book, protected by the device’s frame when shut. This change is why the Mate X2 and Z Fold now share the same basic silhouette—a tall, narrow cover screen on the front and a tablet-sized display inside.
Huawei’s first Mate X was released in 2019 with the screen on the outside. The Mate X2, launched in early 2021, switched to the inward design. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series had used that inward approach since its first model in 2019. So while the Mate X2 arrived later, it adopted the same core concept that Samsung had already popularized, which explains the visual similarity.
Key Design Similarities
When you place the two phones side by side, the shared traits are obvious:
- Inward-folding display: Both have a large 7.6-inch or larger flexible OLED screen that folds shut.
- Cover screen: Both have a secondary display on the front for quick tasks without opening the device.
- Tall aspect ratio: When closed, both are narrow and tall, roughly 21:9 or 22.5:18, making them usable with one hand.
- Camera bump: Both have a rectangular camera module on the back, though the layout differs.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Both integrate the sensor into the power button on the side frame.
The most striking similarity is the overall closed shape: a slim, rectangular slab that feels more like a traditional phone than the first foldables. This is a functional choice—a narrow cover screen is easier to grip and fits in pockets better than a wide, clamshell-like design.
Key Differences in Build and Hinge
Despite the similar look, the Mate X2’s hinge is its most distinctive feature. It uses a two-axis, “double-lever� mechanism that allows the two halves of the display to meet without a visible gap when closed. Samsung’s Z Fold 2 and later models also fold flat, but the hinge design is different: Samsung uses a cam-based system with multiple interlocking gears, while Huawei’s uses a sliding wing-shaped structure that moves as the phone opens.
Another notable difference is the screen crease. The Mate X2’s display folds with a larger radius at the hinge, which reduces the visible crease compared to the Z Fold series. Users often report that the Mate X2’s crease is less noticeable both visually and to the touch. The Z Fold’s crease is more pronounced, especially in the center of the screen where the display bends.
Weight distribution also differs. The Mate X2 places the camera module and most of the internal hardware on one side, making that side heavier. When held open, the phone feels unbalanced in the left hand. Samsung’s Z Fold distributes components more evenly, so it feels more balanced when held as a tablet.
Camera and Display Specs
The Mate X2’s camera system is one of its strongest selling points. It features a quad-camera setup co-engineered with Leica, including a 50MP main sensor, a 16MP ultra-wide, an 8MP periscope telephoto with 10x optical zoom, and a 12MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. In contrast, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 (the model contemporary to the Mate X2) has a triple-camera setup: a 12MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, and 12MP telephoto with 2x optical zoom. The Mate X2 clearly wins on zoom capability and overall camera hardware.
Display specs are similar: both have a 7.6-inch or larger foldable OLED with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Mate X2’s cover screen is 6.45 inches, while the Z Fold 3’s is 6.2 inches. The Mate X2’s cover screen is slightly wider and taller, making it more usable for typing and reading. Both internal displays support a stylus, though Samsung’s S Pen is more widely available and integrated than Huawei’s M-Pen.
Software and Ecosystem Differences
The biggest practical difference is software. The Mate X2 runs on HarmonyOS (or Android with Huawei Mobile Services, depending on the region), and it does not have access to Google Play Services. That means no Google apps like Gmail, YouTube, or Google Maps out of the box. Users must rely on Huawei’s AppGallery, which has fewer apps, or sideload APKs, which can be unreliable. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold runs full Android with Google Play, so all standard apps work without workarounds.
This is the main reason why the Mate X2, despite its superior hardware, is not a viable choice for most users outside China. If you depend on Google services, the Z Fold is the only practical option. If you live in China or can live without Google, the Mate X2’s camera and crease-free display are compelling.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
A common misconception is that the Mate X2 is a direct clone of the Z Fold because they look alike. In reality, the internal mechanisms are different, and the Mate X2’s hinge is more complex and durable—Huawei claims it can withstand 200,000 folds. However, the lack of official IP water resistance rating on the Mate X2 is a drawback; the Z Fold 3 has an IPX8 rating for water resistance.
Another issue is the cover screen. While the Mate X2’s is larger, it is still narrow compared to a standard phone, so typing can feel cramped. Users also report that the app optimization for the large inner screen is better on Samsung, because Samsung has worked with Android developers for years. Huawei’s HarmonyOS has fewer optimized apps, so some apps may stretch or show black bars.
Finally, the Mate X2’s price was significantly higher than the Z Fold 3 at launch, and its availability outside China was limited. This makes it a niche product even among foldable enthusiasts.
How to Choose Between Them
Your decision should be based on three factors: software, camera, and price.
- If you need Google apps and a polished Android experience, choose the Galaxy Z Fold.
- If you prioritize camera zoom and a less visible crease, and you can work without Google, the Mate X2 is technically superior.
- If you live in a region where the Mate X2 is not officially sold, the Z Fold is the only realistic option.
- If you care about water resistance, the Z Fold is the safer choice.
For most people, the Galaxy Z Fold is the better all-rounder because of its software support and ecosystem. The Mate X2 is for enthusiasts who want the best hardware and are willing to accept the software limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Huawei Mate X2 a copy of the Galaxy Z Fold?
No, it is not a copy. Both use the same inward-folding form factor, but the Mate X2 has a unique two-axis hinge, a different camera layout, and a different internal structure. The similarity is a natural result of both companies converging on the same design solution for foldable phones.
Which has a better camera, Mate X2 or Z Fold?
The Mate X2 has a better camera system on paper, with a 50MP main sensor and a 10x periscope zoom. The Z Fold 3’s cameras are older and less capable, especially in zoom. However, the Z Fold’s camera software is more consistent, and it has better video stabilization in some scenarios.
Can I use Google apps on the Mate X2?
No, the Mate X2 does not come with Google Play Services. You can sideload APKs, but apps that rely on Google’s APIs, like Google Maps or Gmail, may not work properly. Some users have found workarounds, but they are not guaranteed to work on all firmware versions.
Is the Mate X2 more durable than the Z Fold?
The Mate X2’s hinge is rated for more folds, and its display crease is less pronounced. However, the Z Fold 3 has an IPX8 water resistance rating, which the Mate X2 lacks. Neither is designed to survive drops, so a case is recommended for both.
Why is the Mate X2 so expensive?
The Mate X2 uses premium materials, a complex hinge, and a large foldable OLED. Its price was also inflated by limited production and import taxes in regions where it is not officially sold. The Z Fold 3 was similarly expensive at launch but has since dropped in price.
Which foldable should I buy in 2024?
If you can find a Mate X2 at a reasonable price and do not need Google, its camera and display are still competitive. Otherwise, newer Galaxy Z Fold models (like the Z Fold 5 or 6) offer better software support, water resistance, and more refined hardware. The Mate X2 is a collector’s item more than a daily driver for most users.
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